Janeshia Adams-Ginyard Is the Chosen One 

When you walk in your purpose, life presents new meaning. Janeshia Adams-Ginyard is in alignment with her divine purpose. She is an Emmy-nominated actress, stuntwoman, professional wrestler, sports radio personality, and motivational speaker from Los Angeles, California. Yet, her most fulfilling title is a child of God because her unwavering faith has paved her path to greatness. We sat down with Janeshia for a wholesome conversation that fed the soul as she touched on her career, obedience, being intentional, and representation in the industry. 

Mhonaé: When you receive a script, are you intentional in the characters you agree to play? 

Adams-Ginyard: When I receive scripts, I read them, break them down, and break down the character. I look at how they are perceived. The role must resonate with me and be something I believe in. I have standards. I have morals. I represent myself, my mom, my family, and God. So, it must show my people and me in a good light. There are just certain things that I am not going to portray. You can’t dangle a check in front of me, especially with stunts. I will not do motorcycle stunts or falls over 30 feet. I know my limitations. I am not a daredevil. I am a trained professional.  

Janeshia’s extensive resume reflects the hard work and dedication she has put into her craft over the years. Letters at Christmas, Lovecraft Country, Station 19, and NCIS: Los Angeles are merely a fraction of the stunt and acting projects that she has graced. She is especially beloved in the Marvel universe as the character Nomble and a stunt double for characters Danai Gurira and Dora Milaje. Her Marvel Studio credits include Black Panther, Avengers: End Game, Avengers: Infinity War, Assembled, Wandavision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.  

Mhonaé: What has the experience been like being a part of the Marvel universe? 

Adams-Ginyard: Being attached to the first Black Panther was crazy good. Talk about a blessing! Talk about the vision board coming to life because Marvel was on my vision board. Growing up, vision boards were very big in our household. So, it was a dream come true and life-changing. It taught me the importance of obedience. I almost did not take the first Black Panther when I was told I had to shave my head. I thought shaving my head would make me look like a boy.  

Adams-Ginyard (cont.): I spoke to my pastor, and he said, “We’ve been praying every day for this. Jesus sacrificed it all on the cross, and you can’t sacrifice your hair?” My brother was like, “Hair grows back. What are you talking about looking like a boy?” Did my obedience pay off! If it weren’t for my obedience to God’s blessing, I would have never gotten Avengers: Infinity War or End Game. I wouldn’t have gotten anything that came along. I got jobs outside of the Marvel universe just because my head was bald. Like wow! Come on, God!  

Ms. Adams-Ginyard also showed love and appreciation for the Marvel fans that go wild for the franchise and support her. The love she receives at Comicon solidifies her gratitude for the encouragement of her confidants and God’s favor in her life. 

Mhonaé: Seeing a black female actress play the role of a tough warrior speaks volumes for the film industry’s direction in terms of representation on screen. What does it mean to you to inspire other young girls and women in that regard? 

Adams-Ginyard: I know what I’m doing will change the frame of mind of someone who looks like me. For too long, we did not see ourselves in roles outside of being pregnant, being a single mom, and things like that. So, it speaks volumes because representation matters, and seeing is believing. When you have a little girl come up to you and say, “I want to be a warrior like you. I want to be a fighter like you.” That’s deep! Then I wonder, would she say that if she didn’t see me? 

Adams-Ginyard (cont.): It just speaks about awareness. So many times, you have heard stories of how our black boys and girls are limited in what they are shown they can do because they don’t see the other opportunities out there. They aren’t made aware. Now you’re seeing shows where black families are together. They’re all influential. They’re all middle to upper-class. That matters! That does a lot to the mind. Every time you turn on the news, you do not want to see a black boy getting arrested or a black girl getting shot. No! We’re changing that whole narrative and taking control of our own narrative. 

Janeshia did not hold back on her demands for the industry to screen projects with more positive black representation. She also expressed the significance of black creators making appealing content that the culture wants to see because black people have always been creators and innovators. So, she urges her people to create art that reflects them as upright human beings, not the savages that society is accustomed to. She knows the stock she comes from and wears her crown with pride. 

Adams-Ginyard: I don’t want to see another slave movie. We’re past that. Let’s see us as kings and queens like what we are because I know what stock I come from. While you’re talking about slaves, I know I came from black kings and queens. So, show me that. Show me the warriors. Show me the fighters. Show me the strong women. 

She praised Black Panther for making cinematic history and inspiring the masses, especially the youth adding that she was happy to have been a part of that. Janeshia shared the impact that working with Chadwick Boseman had on her career and life. 

Mhonaé: What was it like working with Chadwick Boseman? 

Adams-Ginyard: Chad was hilarious. At any moment, he would break out into that Jackie Robinson shuffle. He was also a super dedicated professional and was here to make us feel like we were in Wakanda. It was because of Chad that we had drums playing while we were rehearsing and doing choreography. He was such a creative, spiritual, and humble being. It was awesome! Also, to go through the hours of work we went through to shoot that movie in his condition, which nobody knew, speaks volumes. It was true artistry and professionalism. That is the person I got to work with who didn’t complain while he was battling his health issues. So, that is why I could not show up to that premiere and not have something to honor him. 

She honored him well! At the purple carpet premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, she made a striking fashion statement in a beautiful body art piece by gifted artist Jody Steel. Every vibrant color and design told a sentimental story. Every intricate paintbrush stroke was intentional because, as previously stated, Janeshia Adams-Ginyard is a woman of intention. She does everything with forethought and grace. The theme of the premiere event was celebratory attire, so she was spot on. She celebrated Chadwick with a portrait on her back. It was symbolic that he was watching everyone’s back that night, smiling down on the fruits of their labor. 

Mhonaé: When you heard the announcement that you were nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in the new category of Outstanding Stunt Performance for your work on the HBO series Lovecraft Country what were you feeling? 

Adams-Ginyard: I was jaw-dropped because I was shooting Wakanda Forever when I found that out. I cried so many tears of joy when I got home because all my work was paying off, all the obedience, the sacrifices, and the no’s. I said, “God, you said that you would prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies, and I am eating!” With the Emmy nominations, you are forever a nominee until you win. So, you can’t say my name without saying Emmy-nominated. That is so deep!  

Adams-Ginyard (cont.): Also, at that time, I had done more HBO projects than any other project, and it was my favorite project that I had worked on. On top of that, my friend spoke the nomination into existence when the episode aired. I had no idea that they were introducing this new category. I was shocked. I am getting chills right now because you don’t understand the sacrifices I have gone through for being outspoken, blunt, and honest. So let me tell you, God will always reward you for your faithfulness and truthfulness. 

Mhonaé: What is your ultimate goal as an entertainer? 

Adams-Ginyard: The ultimate goal is to be the lead in an action series or film. It’s coming. I know it. I have been putting in the work. I’m getting these auditions, and these auditions are getting longer. That is the growth. That is the progression. That is the elevation. He’s preparing me. So, it’s coming. Then, when I get older, I will most likely be a coordinator or director. I have a good eye for that. My acting coach tells me that all the time. 

Mhonaé: What advice do you have for other aspiring actresses and stuntwomen? 

Adams-Ginyard: Never allow anyone to deter you from your dreams, aspirations, and goals. If I listened to no’s and what I couldn’t do, I wouldn’t be talking to you now. People say that you can’t do this, and you can’t do that, and unfortunately, that sticks with many people. However, you control that. Your dreams are free. They don’t cost you a dime. How dare you give it away! Never let anyone deter you from your dreams, aspirations, and goals.  

Adams-Ginyard (cont.): Also, the power is in saying no. You must understand that this is an industry where people get off on sacrificing their morals due to saying yes and giving in to temptation. You can say no and be okay with that. Trust your skills. Trust your judgment. Trust and know that God’s got you. Trust your work. Everything isn’t meant for you. 

Janeshia has always strived to be a light to others because she believes light can only be effective in a dark place. She learned at an early age how to manifest what she wanted out of life through vision boards. The vision for her future could not have been clearer, thanks to her family and God. Family gave her stability. Education gave her wisdom. Athletics gave her discipline. God gave her purpose. She empowers girls and women everywhere by standing on a foundation of obedience, intention, and faith. Many are called, but Janeshia Adams-Ginyard is chosen.